Ozzy Osbourne, solo artist and lead vocalist of heavy metal band Black Sabbath, won the award in honor of his long career, which has spanned four decades.

Past recipients of the accolade include Alice Cooper, Lemmy and Jimmy Page. Guitar legend Slash, the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist, presented the award. He also received the Marshall “11” award “for his services to balls-out guns-blazing rock n’ roll”. Earlier, Osbourne and Slash enjoyed afternoon tea together at the Dorchester Hotel in London. The rock and roll stars showed their softer side as they shared tea and cakes ahead of the big night.

Osbourne joked about his award saying: “I hope I don’t die on the way home.” Speaking about his nomination award before the ceremony, Osbourne said: “I couldn’t be happier to know that Classic Rock haven’t written me off! Seriously, it’s a great honor and I’m looking forward to going to my first Classic Rock Awards. Can’t wait to see you there.”